Maize (7,892MT) was the highest traded commodity in the week ending 7th July 2017, a decrease from the previous week (9,606MT). 
The flow was mostly Uganda to Kenya, Uganda exported to Kenya (6,790MT), to Rwanda (350MT), and to Tanzania (40MT). There was no maize exports from Uganda to DRC. Tanzania exported to Kenya (628MT), signalling exports to Kenya from Zambia and other Southern Africa countries, because Tanzania has not been exporting maize due to poor rainfalls and reduced harvest from the last season. Kenya exported maize (4MT) to Tanzania. Rwanda exported to DRC (78MT), while DRC exported to Uganda (1.29MT). Maize wholesale prices were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh81($0.78)/kg, and Ngozi, Ksh72($0.69)/kg. The lowest prices were in Tanzania, Mbeya Ksh21($0.20)/kg and Uganda, Kampala Ksh23($0.22)/kg. Kenya reported the following wholesale prices Kisumu, Ksh60($0.58)/kg, Nairobi, Ksh52($0.50)/kg, and Eldoret Ksh42($0.40)/kg, the maize prices are beginning to show a decline as maize harvest have begun in certain parts of Kenya. Uganda, Busia market price for maize was Ksh28($0.27)/kg.
Beans (3,562MT) was the 2nd highest traded commodity in the week, a slight increase from the previous week (3,413MT). The trade flow retained its usual pattern of exports from Uganda (3,100MT) to Kenya (2,926MT), and to DRC (288MT). Rwanda exported to Uganda (161MT), while Tanzania exported to Uganda (10MT), and to Kenya (2MT). Beans wholesale price were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh158($1.52)/kg, Kenya, Makueni Ksh90($0.87)/kg, and Kisumu Ksh80($0.77)/kg. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Mulindi, Ksh47($0.45)/kg. Yellow Beans (10MT) was traded, down from the previous week (60MT). The trade was Uganda exports to Rwanda (10MT). Yellow beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Makueni and Machakos Ksh100($0.96)/kg. This is because of extremely poor beans harvest in the region, with most places reporting having not harvest any beans at all. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Mulindi Ksh61($0.59)/kg. Red Beans (70MT) were traded during the week. The trade was Tanzania exports to Uganda (70MT). Red beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Machakos and Makueni Ksh100($0.96)/kg. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Kamembe Ksh50($0.48)/kg. Rwanda exported Mixed Beans (111MT) to Uganda. Mixed beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Nairobi, Ksh88($0.85)/kg, and Tanzania, Dar Ksh71($0.68)/kg. The prices were lowest in Uganda, Kabale and Rwanda, Kamemba Ksh43($0.41)/kg. Uganda, Busia sold mixed beans at Ksh50($0.48)/kg.
Rice (1,024MT) was traded, an increase from the previous week’s (613MT). The flow was from Tanzania to Rwanda (556MT), to Uganda (184MT), and to Kenya (8MT). Rwanda exported to DRC (272MT), and DRC exported (4.7MT) to Uganda. Rice wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Mombasa Ksh180($1.74)/kg, Nairobi Ksh170($1.49)/kg, Eldoret Ksh165($1.59)/kg, and lowest in Tanzania, Iringa Ksh74($0.71)/kg. Sorghum (661MT) was traded, an increase from the previous week (126MT). The trade flow was mostly Uganda exports to Kenya (413MT), and to Rwanda (224MT). Tanzania exported to Uganda (24MT). Sorghum wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Nairobi Ksh82($0.79)/kg, and lowest in Uganda, Tororo Ksh21($0.20)/kg. Wheat (657MT) was traded during the week, an increase from the previous week (342MT). The trade flow was from Kenya to Rwanda (440MT), and from Rwanda to DRC(217MT). Wheat prices were highest in Burundi, Gitega Ksh102($0.98)/kg, and lowest in Tanzania, Arusha, Ksh37($0.36)/kg.
Millet (572MT) was traded, a huge decrease from the previous week (1,241MT). The trade was Uganda exports to Kenya. Millet wholesale price were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh150($1.44)/kg, Kenya, Kisumu Ksh110($1.06) and lowest in Uganda, Tororo Ksh37($0.36)/kg. Nairobi reported a wholesale price is Ksh85($0.82)/kg. Green grams continue to be harvested in various parts of Kenya. Green grams wholesale prices are highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh150($1.44)/kg, Kenya, Eldoret Ksh130($1.25)/kg, and Kisumu Ksh90($0.87)/kg. The lowest reported wholesale prices were in Uganda, Gulu Ksh34($0.33)/kg, and Soroti Ksh46($0.44)/kg. The Kenya wholesale prices are Makueni Ksh98($0.94)/kg, Mombasa Ksh82($0.79)/kg, and Nairobi Ksh91($0.88)/kg.
Groundnuts/Peanuts (454MT) was traded in the week, in comparison to the previous week (101MT). The trade flow was mostly Tanzania’s exports to Kenya (250MT) and to Uganda (111MT). Uganda exported to Rwanda (91MT). Rwanda exported to DRC (1.5MT). The wholesale prices of groundnuts were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh177($1.7)/kg, Kenya, Nairobi Ksh150($1.44)/kg, and Eldoret Ksh148($1.43)/kg. The wholesale prices were lowest in Tanzania, Mbeya Ksh69($0.66)/kg. Soya Beans (55MT) was traded, Tanzania exported to Uganda (30MT), and to Kenya (25MT). Wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Eldoret Ksh100($0.96)/kg, and lowest in Uganda, Lira Ksh31($0.30)/kg. Peas (90MT) was traded, Uganda exported to Rwanda (60MT), and Tanzania exported to Uganda (30MT). Peas prices were highest in Burundi, Bujumbura Ksh167($1.61)/kg, and lowest in Uganda Mbale, Ksh57($0.55)/kg.
Exchange Rate used US$1=Ksh103.85/-
Author; Fostina Mani, Betta Grains. Fostina.Mani@bettagrains.com, Twitter: @FostinaMani.
Acknowledgment: The data used for the analysis has been obtained from; IAM, Government of Kenya, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries, Government of Tanzania, Ministry of Trade and Industry, EAGC, RATIN, Farm Gain Uganda, FEWS NET, & Betta Grains.
Disclaimer. Due to unavailable of data on various border points on formal cross-border trade flows and volumes in the public arena. The volumes indicated above are mostly from the informal cross-border data that is available to the public. The purpose of the analysis, is simply to provide an indication of the East Africa Regional Trade flow to SMEs, Smallholder Farmers, and Other Stakeholders in a manner and language that is applicable, simple, and makes sense. Those desiring to obtain actual trade volumes are advised to contact various internationally funded government projects that have been mandated to provide the regional trade data for public good.
